Kamarudin said the position of vice-chancellor is just temporary, and the main priority is to shoulder the responsibility.

“Let us unite, be rid of elements that will disrupt harmony, and give our best to the university, the state and the country as a whole," he said during the handover duty ceremony at UMS Chancellory building here this morning.

He took over the post from Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah, who retired on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Mohd Harun said he was confident that his successor will perform admirably.

"Kamarudin's appointment is the right decision and I am glad that he is now the third local to helm the university."

Also present at the event was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

Masidi, who is also state Education exco, presented the appointment letter to Kamarudin on behalf of the state government.